Hydrodynamic interaction induced breakdown of the state properties of active fluids

Active particles with polar alignment in ring-shaped confinement

We study steady-state properties of active, nonchiral and chiral Brownian particles with polar alignment and steric interactions confined within a ring-shaped confinement (annulus) in two dimensions. Exploring possible interplays between polar interparticle alignment, geometric confinement and the surface curvature, being incorporated here on minimal levels, we report a surface-population reversal effect, whereby active particles migrate from the outer concave boundary of the annulus to accumulate on its inner convex boundary. This contrasts the conventional picture, implying stronger accumulation of active particles on concave boundaries relative to the convex ones. The population reversal is caused by both particle alignment and surface curvature, disappearing when either of these factors is absent. We explore the ensuing consequences for the chirality-induced current and swim pressure of active particles and analyze possible roles of system parameters, such as the mean number density of particles and particle self-propulsion, chirality, and alignment strengths.

Partition of nanoswimmers between two immiscible phases: a soft and penetrable boundary

The behavior of run-and-tumble nanoswimmers which can self-propel in two immiscible liquids such as water-oil systems and are able to cross the interface is investigated by dissipative particle dynamics. At the steady-state, the partition ratio (φ) of nanoswimmers between the two immiscible liquids is obtained, and it depends on the active force (F_a), run time (τ), and swimmer-solvent interactions. The partition ratio φ is found to grow generally with increasing F_a²τ. At sufficiently large F_a, it is surprising to find that hydrophilic nanoswimmers prefer to stay in the oil phase rather than in the water phase. The partition ratio is also influenced by the hydrophobicity of swimmers in the oil phase. Two simple models are proposed to describe the partition ratio, including a near-equilibrium model and a kinetic model. Surface accumulation appearing at an impenetrable interface is also observed at the fluid-fluid interface for small F_a but it vanishes for sufficiently large F_a.

Favorable partition of nanoswimmers toward a confined slit

The partition of nanoswimmers between a narrow channel and a reservoir is explored by dissipative particle dynamics. In contrast to passive colloids, nanoswimmers prefer to stay in the slit rather than in the reservoir for sufficiently large active force (F_{a}) or run time (τ). The partition ratio (φ) increases with F_{a} and τ. Interestingly, as the slit height decreases, φ grows accordingly until the confinement effect dominates. Three types of the concentration profile in the slit are identified as a consequence of the competition between surface accumulation and entropic barrier.